A New Chapter in Australian Rail
For decades, The Ghan and Indian Pacific have been celebrated as two of the world’s great train journeys — epic transcontinental crossings that traverse some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on Earth. In 2026, however, these iconic trains have undergone a transformation that positions them not merely as great journeys, but as great luxury experiences.
The Australis Suite: Australia’s Largest Rail Accommodation
At the heart of this evolution are two new suite categories unveiled by operator Journey Beyond: the Aurora Suite and the Australis Suite. The Australis Suite is now the largest suite in Australian train travel — three times the size of a Platinum cabin — featuring a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-sized bed, a full lounge set, a personal bar, and a dedicated butler offering personalised unpacking service, a pillow menu, and in-room dining.
The Aurora Suite, meanwhile, is double the size of a Platinum cabin, offering a similarly refined experience for travellers seeking elevated comfort.
Design That Tells a Story
Journey Beyond appointed renowned global design firm Woods Bagot to create interiors that embody art deco luxury while capturing the essence of the Australian outback. The design features bespoke detailing, decorative timber accents, stone and marble masonry, and iron filigree, with references to Australia’s pastoral history through sheepskin accents and saddle leather.
“Australian luxury is characterised by quiet confidence, quality, comfort, and attention to detail,” says Woods Bagot Principal Rosina Di Maria.
Bollinger Champagne and Butler Service
Suite guests enjoy Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 throughout their journey — a partnership that Cyril Delarue, sixth-generation family member and Global Sales Director for Champagne Bollinger, describes as delivering “an experience on board that invites guests to savour each moment”.
The butler service extends beyond mere convenience. Guests receive an exclusive unpacking service, a curated private bar tailored to their preferences, and in-room dining — transforming the suite into what Journey Beyond’s Executive General Manager of Rail, David Donald, calls “your luxurious sanctuary to unwind after a day of exploring Outback Australia”.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 season has proven exceptionally popular. Departures for the 2026 season have already sold out, with 2027 departures now open for booking. Fares start from $16,790 per person for the Australis Suite and $11,190 per person for the Aurora Suite for a three-day journey on the Indian Pacific.
The first departure with the new suites was the Indian Pacific on 4 April 2026, followed by The Ghan and the Great Southern later in the year.
Why Rail Luxury Is Resonating
The timing of this investment reflects a broader trend. According to Virtuoso’s 2026 Luxe Report, expedition-style travel and multi-generational journeys are among the fastest-growing segments in luxury travel, with 63% of advisors expecting increased client spending and 16% predicting a significant rise.
Rail travel offers something increasingly precious in the luxury space: time. Unlike a flight that compresses distance into hours, a train journey expands it into an experience — a slow unveiling of landscape, culture, and conversation.
Beyond the Suites
The train experience extends beyond the accommodations. Off-train excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy immerse guests in the landscapes and communities along the route, while onboard dining showcases regional Australian produce and wine.
For travellers who have experienced luxury in its many forms, the new suites on The Ghan and Indian Pacific offer something genuinely distinctive: the sensation of watching a continent unfold from the comfort of a moving, exquisitely designed sanctuary.
